The City Lord had been busy all day, yet he still hadn't gone to bed.
In his hands was Little Yu's manuscript, which he was reviewing repeatedly.
During the sharing session earlier in the day, he had sensed something extraordinary halfway through.
Indeed, among Lin Xuan, Li Siyi, and Little Yu, Little Yu's experience-sharing had been the most effective. Some listeners even achieved enlightenment, and their cultivation improved.
Though it was only related to Qi Refining, it was still quite remarkable.
The more he read, the more he felt it was exceptionally well-written.
This had to become a textbook.
The City Lord couldn't help but burst into laughter. He had struck gold! Autumn Wind City would surely advance further because of this.
However, just as he was rejoicing, bad news arrived.
"City Lord, something terrible has happened."
"Speak."
If his trusted aide was this panicked, it had to be a major crisis.
"The beast horde is attacking."
"How many?"
The beast horde wasn't attacking Autumn Wind City for the first time.
"An estimated ten thousand or more."
The City Lord's expression darkened. There had never been so many before.
"Go, notify all the major families. Prepare for battle."
The response was swift. Soon, the key figures from all the major families had gathered in the hall.
The City Lord addressed them, "I've called you here urgently because the beast horde is approaching."
Someone spoke up, "If they come, we'll fight them off. It's not like we haven't done it before."
"This time, there are over ten thousand of them."
The speaker immediately fell silent.
The atmosphere in the hall instantly became oppressive.
The City Lord continued, "I know this will be difficult, but this is our home. Our families are here, as are all the citizens of the city. We cannot abandon them."
"This time is different from before. It will be the greatest crisis Autumn Wind City has ever faced. I hope we can face it together."
"I believe that if we unite and avoid petty schemes, we can overcome this challenge."
"Of course, if anyone wishes to withdraw, now is the time. I will understand."
"I've said my piece. So, does anyone want to leave?"
The City Lord scanned the room, preparing to continue when Su Luo spoke up.
"No way. I refuse to fight against a beast horde, especially one with over ten thousand beasts."
Everyone turned to look at Su Luo. Was he serious right now?
Su Luo continued, "Such a massive force? Expecting us to handle it is like sending us to our deaths. Only a fool would fight that beast horde."
The City Lord was already imagining himself grabbing Su Luo by the neck to shut him up.
But someone acted faster.
Lin Xuan grabbed Su Luo by the collar, "Are you serious right now?"
"Of course. I don't want to die," Su Luo replied shamelessly.
"This is where you were born and raised. Won't you even defend it?"
Lin Xuan was genuinely angry. He believed everyone should have a basic moral line, and Su Luo, despite being a spy for the demonic path, shouldn't abandon even that.
Su Luo's family was here too. On the surface, he appeared to be at the peak of Qi Refining, but he was actually hiding his strength and was stronger than most. Yet, even they hadn't backed out.
How could Su Luo be the first to quit?
"Defend it? Who will defend my life? No matter what you say, I won't fight."
"Su Luo, get serious!"
"I am serious!"
The others couldn't help but pity Su Chengkong. Having such a son must be a curse.
Su Chengkong ignored their gazes and said, "Alright, since my son doesn't want to fight, I'll take care of his share of the beasts. That should settle it, right?"
With that, Su Chengkong unleashed his cultivation aura.
Golden Core!
The City Lord exclaimed, "When did you break through?"
"Not long ago."
Yeah, right. You old fox.
The City Lord didn't believe for a second that Su Chengkong had only recently broken through, but for now, it was good news. Their chances of victory had just improved.
At that moment, everyone in the room turned their attention to Lin Xuan.
Lin Xuan's aura had changed. Battle intent radiated from him, sharp and unyielding.
"I will fight to the end!"
His tone and demeanor instantly ignited the fighting spirit in everyone, making them eager to charge into battle alongside him.
Only then did they realize what it truly meant to be a disciple of the Seven Stars Sword Sect.
The City Lord couldn't help but say, "Well said. The younger generation surpasses the old. We can't afford to fall behind. Everyone, prepare yourselves."
The crowd dispersed, gathering their respective cultivators to prepare for the impending battle.
Su Luo also left the hall.
Li Siyi approached him and said, "Su Luo, I understand you. Just do what you think is right."
I've already arranged things for you.
"What do you mean, understand me? What's there to understand about what I just did?"
But Li Siyi didn't answer. She went to prepare for the upcoming battle.
Understand? That's almost laughable.
When I unleashed the Kun School's Iron Mountain Shoulder Strike and no one noticed, I realized this world doesn't understand me.
Little Yu also came out, polishing her sword. "Su Luo, I've grown stronger too. I'll help you take care of your share of the beasts."
"Little Yu, you don't actually think what I did was right, do you?"
"No, but Su Luo, you must have your reasons. You're not the type to fear death."
"Stop. I'm terrified of death."
"Being afraid of death is fine. I'm scared too. So, just wait for me to kill a few extra beasts for you."
With that, Little Yu headed toward the city gates.
Not a single word of reproach. Su Luo felt a little dazed.
Su Chengkong quietly appeared beside Su Luo.
"What a good kid," he remarked, having overheard Little Yu and Su Luo's conversation.
"Father..."
"It's fine. Don't worry about it. You're my son, Su Chengkong. Live your life however you want."
Su Luo couldn't help but say, "Telling me this now is just twisting the truth."
"Your mother passed away early, so I want you to live a long life."
"With this kind of personality, I'm more likely to die young."
"So what? In this world of cultivation, being a good person doesn't guarantee a long life. Live the way you want."
Su Luo: ...
After a moment of silence.
"By the way, you know about this. I'll give it to you now. Take good care of it. It's our Su family's heirloom."
Su Chengkong took out the Starfall Jade Bracelet. Su Luo had once wanted to give it to Li Siyi but failed, and it had naturally returned to Su Chengkong's possession.
Su Luo knew this was destined to become Lin Xuan's treasure.
Just as Su Luo was about to take it, Su Chengkong seemed to have a sudden realization.
After some calm analysis and careful consideration.
"You prodigal son. Giving it to you would just mean our heirloom is wasted."
"I'm your only son. Who else would you give it to?"
"Who said that? I just thought of a suitable candidate."
And with that, he ran after Little Yu.
Huh?
Su Luo was stunned.
You've known Little Yu for less than a day, and you're giving her our family heirloom?
Who's the real spendthrift here, me or you?